Proverbs 20:15-24

There is gold, and an abundance of pearls, But the lips of knowledge are a vessel of preciousness [the most precious of all]. [Job 28:12, 16-19; Prov 3:15; 8:11] [The judge tells the creditor], “Take the clothes of one who is surety for a stranger; And hold him in pledge [when he guarantees a loan] for foreigners.” [Prov 27:13] Food gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel [just as sin may be sweet at first, but later its consequences bring despair]. Plans are established by counsel; So make war [only] with wise guidance. He who goes about as a gossip reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with a gossip [who talks freely or flatters]. [Rom 16:17, 18] Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp [of life] will be extinguished in time of darkness. An inheritance hastily gained [by greedy, unjust means] at the beginning Will not be blessed in the end. [Prov 28:20; Hab 2:6] Do not say, “I will repay evil”; Wait [expectantly] for the LORD, and He will rescue and save you. [Deut 32:35; 2 Sam 16:12; Rom 12:17-19; 1 Thess 5:15; 1 Pet 3:9] Differing weights are detestable and offensive to the LORD, And fraudulent scales are not good. Man’s steps are ordered and ordained by the LORD. How then can a man [fully] understand his way?